For all the hype about its size, its Hollywood reveals and its general status as nerd culture's #1 social gathering, Comic-Con International in San Diego remains a very diverse comics show. And all its four-color prowess is on display in the event's Thursday programming lineup.

Released today on the SDCC site, the first full day of the 2016 show will feature publishing highlights from DC's Rebirth event, Marvel's incoming "Death of X," Fantagraphics legendary "Love & Rockets" and more including a celebrating of Captain America's 75th Anniversary. Throw in Hollywood highlights like Luc Besson's latest sci-fi epic and the return of USA's "Mr. Robot," and there's plenty to keep any fan heading West busy.

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So CBR ran through the full gamut of Comic-Con events and pulled out some of the biggest and most interesting comics, movie and TV panels to help you plan your Thursday right.

DC Collectibles

Thursday July 21, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am

Room 9Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures-DC Collectibles has them all and more! Join the DC Collectibles crew, including VP creative services Kevin Kiniry, director creative services Jim Fletcher and a few surprise panelists, to hear how they come up with so many great products, and what's coming up from comics' top makers of awesome collectibles!

Spotlight on Kieron Gillen

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Thursday July 21, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am

Room 7ABWriter Kieron Gillen talks about his career, from Phonogram, through Marvel and on to The Wicked + The Divine. And who better to interrogate him than his mostly platonic life partner, Jamie McKelvie? No one, that's who.

Room 29AB What makes a book a graphic novel? The unique combination of text and art, word balloons, text boxes, and more makes comics a unique format. Authors Derf Backderf (Trashed), Peter Kuper (Ruins), Hope Larson (Compass South), Sydney Padua (The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage), and Maximilian Uriarte (The White Donkey) discuss the medium and their own recent work. Moderated by Evan Narcisse (io9).

Dreamworks Animation Theatrical

Thursday July 21, 2016 10:00am - 11:30am

Hall HDreamWorks Animation invites you to find your happy place with a special Trolls presentation featuring filmmakers, voice talent, and a few very colorful friends.

Teen Titans Go! Video Presentation and Q&A

Thursday July 21, 2016 10:15am - 11:15am

Room 6DEWhen there's trouble, you know who to call: Teen Titans! When you want an awesome time at Comic-Con, you also know who to call: Teen Titans! A Titan-sized panel features producers Aaron Horvath (MAD) and Pete Michail (Space Racers) along with voice cast members Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton and Tara Strong for a screening and Q&A covering your favorite animated series. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Teen Titans Go! airs Thursdays at 6/5c on Cartoon Network. Teen Titans Go!: Season 3 Part 2 will be released on DVD on August 23.

Spotlight on Peter David

Thursday July 21, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am

Room 4Okay, not literally a spotlight. And by literally we mean "literally" as opposed to "figuratively," which are two opposite words no matter what the stupid dictionary says. What in the world is happening to the English language, anyway? And what about . . . oh. Right. The panel. Peter David will talk about stuff. He wrote this description. Can you tell?

Celebrate the Publishing World of Jim Henson's Labyrinth with Archaia

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 5ABTo celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jim Henson's Labyrinth, publisher Archaia (an imprint of BOOM! Studios) has several books set to come out this year! Senior editor Sierra Hahn and artists Eric Powell (The Goon, Big Man Plans), JoÃ«lle Jones (Spider-Woman, Lady Killer), and Jonathan Case (The New Deal, Batman '66) give fans a sneak peek into these titles, which include original comics, a children's storybook, and an artists' tribute collection. Moderated by Nerdist editor-in-chief Rachel Heine.

Love & Rockets: Past, Present and Future

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 9Love and Rockets by brothers Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez is one of the most influential comic series to ever be published. Rounding on 35 years, the characters and stories within Love and Rockets have inspired countless cartoonists, musicians, and writers with their unique world building and stories. Hear about the series from the very beginning with Gilbert and Jaime, publisher Gary Groth (Fantagraphics), co-creator Mario Hernandez (Love and Rockets), and fans like Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals, Hawkeye), with exclusive art and announcements.

Spotlight on Alex Sinclair

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 32ABWith the help of Scott Williams-yes, that Scott Williams- Alex Sinclair does a quick review of his career, demos his coloring process, and answers any questions you may have along the way. Alex will have his work setup and show how he has incorporated an iPad Pro into his process.

Spotlight on Lisa Hanawalt

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 23ABCLisa Hanawalt is the author of the acclaimed, devastatingly funny graphic novels Hot Dog Taste Test and My Dirty Dumb Eyes. She is also the producer and series designer for the hit Netflix showBojack Horseman. Tom Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter) leads a wide-ranging conversation with Hanawalt, focusing on her new book, Hot Dog Taste Test.

Spotlight on Maggie Thompson

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 29ABMaggie Thompson (Toucan blogger) interviews three other "Nerd Family" kids: Lora Boehm (daughter of John and Bjo Trimble), Sky McLeod (daughter of Scott McCloud and Ivy Ratafia), and Caroline David (daughter of Peter and Kathleen David). Check out what four generations of second-generation fans have to share.

Top Shelf Productions: Live!

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm

Room 28DENow an imprint of IDW Publishing, the tastemakers at Top Shelf are busier than ever bringing you their trademark blend of gorgeous art, storytelling charm, and literary sophistication. Marketing director Leigh Walton and design director Chris Ross offer a tour of Top Shelf's latest and greatest. Benjamin Frisch makes a head-spinning debut with The Fun Family, the Lost Mountain Mechanicals blend history with dieselpunk action-adventure in The Jekyll Island Chronicles, Koren Shadmi explores the dark side of digital dating in Love Addict, and much more! Plus: great news for Alan Moore fans and Korgi lovers.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:15am - 12:15pm

Room 6A For 25 years, Nickelodeon has produced some of the most innovative and memorable animation in the history of television. Nick Animation podcast host Hector Navarro finds out how and why four of the network's most influential creators did what they did: Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold), Jhonen Vasquez (Invader Zim), Butch Hartman (Fairly OddParents, Danny Phanton) and Arlene Klasky (Rugrats, Wild Thornberrys, Rocket Power), who along with Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain, created Rugrats. Don't miss the chance to see production art from the upcoming Hey Arnold movie, animation from Hartman's new Bunsen Is a Beast, and the world premiere of Don vs Raph, a TMNT animated short written and produced by Jhonen Vasquez.

DC All Access: No Boundaries

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room 6DEDC Comics is always pushing the envelope. Find out what's new and upcoming from across the Digital spectrum to the world of DC Rebirth with key contributors whose unique voices add to the DC Comics experience!

Spotlight on G. Willow Wilson

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room 4G. Willow Wilson (Ms Marvel, Alif the Unseen) discusses the making of the hit teen superhero series Ms Marvel, reads new material, and takes questions from the audience.

Spotlight on Howard Chaykin

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room 8 Howard Chaykin, the man frequently described as the Randy Newman/Van Morrison/Robert Altman of comics, is on hand for an unmoderated hour of informed and amusingly immoderate conversation. This deeply influential cult figure, a prince of a guy who prefers to be good rather than nice, guarantees at minimum three huge laughs, a slew of informed contrarian opinion, and at least one unaccompanied number from the American popular songbook.

Snowden

Thursday July 21, 2016 11:45am - 12:45pm

Hall HOpen Road Films presents Oliver Stone's Snowden, featuring never-before-seen footage and a live conversation with legendary filmmaker Oliver Stone, in his first visit to Comic-Con, and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Getting Into Comics and Staying There

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Room 28DE"Breaking into comics" panels are among the most popular panels at comic conventions throughout the country. Aspiring writers and artists are as in-demand with publishers as social media wizards and Excel-loving number crunchers. Listen to the origin stories of Jim Zub (Wayward, Thunderbolts), Felipe Smith (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, All-New Ghost Rider), Caitlin Kittredge (Lucas Stand, Coffin Hill), Dan Mora (Klaus, Hexed), and Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, C.O.W.L.), and the behind-the-scenes professionals they work with to make the comics you love to read! Moderated by BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban.

Justice League Action Video Presentation and Q&A

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Room 25ABCThe world's greatest superheroes return to television in Justice League Action, an all-new quarter-hour animated series. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman lead the DC superheroes against their most infamous foes in adventures packed with relentless thrills, fun and action. No need to wait for the good stuff to start; each 11-minute episode jumps in with lightning-paced action and heroics. Whether defending the Earth, facing invaders from space, or battling the bizarre forces of magic, the always-rotating team of Justice League heroes are up to any challenge. Producers Butch Lukic (Justice League) and Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series) and voice cast members Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) and Diedrich Bader (Batman The Brave and The Bold) present an exclusive sneak peek and Q&A at this highly anticipated new series. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Justice League Action is coming soon to Cartoon Network.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Mycroft

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Room 5ABNBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar makes a special appearance at Comic-Con to launch his new comic book, Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook, which debuts exclusively at SDCC with a special variant cover. This exciting series is a brand new standalone comic book adventure that uncovers the secrets of the elder Holmes brother. Join series artist Joshua Cassara (The Troop) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on stage for an hour of exclusives and insider reveals. Each audience member will receive an exclusive show art card.

Welcome to the Whedonverse

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Room 23ABCDark Horse's continuations of Joss Whedon's cult favorites (Serenity, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel & Faith) remain some of the most-talked-about comics in the industry. Dark Horse is giving you an exclusive chance to hear all there is to tell about the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 and what's in store for Serenity from the series' top talent, with Buffy Season 10 writer Christos Gage, Buffy the High School Years Kel McDonald, and surprise guests for some big news!

Moana: Art of Story

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Room 6ALegendary directors Ron Clements (Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, Princess and the Frog) and John Musker (Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, Princess and the Frog) lead a panel of artists as they give a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney Animation Studios' upcoming animated comedy-adventure Moana, a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Once on her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she's always sought: her own identity.

The Business of Creativity: Can Comics Find the Balance?

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Room 4During his tenure as publisher and president of DC Comics and later as a board member of BOOM! Studios, Paul Levitz oversaw an influx of creator-driven concepts (Watchmen, Sandman, The Dark Knight, Lumberjanes) and imprints (Vertigo, Milestone, WildStorm) within the framework of traditional and untraditional corporate ownership models. Levitz discusses his experience and insights on a range of topics shaping the comics industry in the big media era with Rob Salkowitz (Forbes).

UDON 2016

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Room 8UDON is celebrating another groundbreaking year of publishing the best of video games, anime, and manga from Japan and around the world. Come meet the artists and editors as they discuss this year's breakout hits and announce upcoming titles, including some big surprises you will definitely want to be the first to hear about! Plus: attendees will have a chance to win some of UDON's hottest new releases!

Spotlight on Jim Lee

Thursday July 21, 2016 12:45pm - 1:45pm

Room 6DEDC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee (Superman Unchained, Justice League, Batman, Suicide Squad) talks about his 25+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen. This is a great opportunity to watch the creative process firsthand and learn the tips of the trade that bring DC Entertainment's characters to life.

From Concepts to Comics: A Conversation About Editing in the Comics Industry

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Room 28DEBOOM! Studios managing editor Bryce Carlson and editor Eric Harburn lead a discussion on the roles editors can play in the comics industry with James Tynion IV (Detective Comics, The Backstagers), Mairghread Scott (Toil and Trouble, Transformers: Windblade), Hope Larson (Goldie Vance, Compass South), Simon Spurrier (Weavers, Cry Havoc), Pat McHale (Over the Garden Wall), and Adam Smith (Long Walk to Valhalla). They'll explore the differences between working with and without an editor, working at an indie publisher or at the Big Two, and how editors can partner with talent to put creators' vision to paper.

Marvel: Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Room 25ABCAre you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking, "I could do that if I knew how?" Well, here's your chance! Join talent scout Rickey Purdin and a host of Marvel talent to find out how to get your foot in the door and make your job Marvel.

Mattel & WWE Fan Panel

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Room 5ABThe New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods), along with AJ Styles and Becky Lynch, offer a fun-filled hour that definitely won't be sour! Get your recommended daily value of positivity, unicorn magic, and action figures in this gluteus-free panel featuring never-before-seen Mattel figure reveals along with a Q&A session moderated by NXT color commentator Corey Graves.

Something for Everyone: Indie Comics

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Room 29ABLove comics but aren't into superheroes? What about spooky fairy tales, witty comedy, survival stories, social commentary, or love and wrestling? There is something for everyone in the wide world of indie comics. Moderator Andrew Farago (curator, Cartoon Art Museum) leads Comic-Con special guests Emily Carroll (Through the Woods), Lisa Hanawalt (Hot Dog Taste Test), Jennifer Hayden (The Story of My Tits), Keith Knight (The K Chronicles), and Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf) in a discussion about how they get their unique perspectives across and then out into the world!

The Simpsons and SpongeBob Smile-Time Hour

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Room 23ABCCreative director Nathan Kane and managing editors Terry Delegeane and Chris Duffy join forces for a tour de farce of the best humor comics in the business. Meet some of the Bongo and United Plankton artists who tickle your four-color funnybone and find out what's in stores in the months to come! Room 23ABC

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Hall HWitness the first public exhibition of footage from acclaimed director/producer/writer Luc Besson's first-ever Hall H presentation, and his latest foray into science fiction. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis made up of thousands of species from all corners of the universe. Alpha's 17 million inhabitants have converged over time, uniting their talents, technology, and resources for the betterment of all. But not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; unseen forces are at work, placing their race in great danger. Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, The Professional), producer Virginie Besson-Silla (Lucy, Revolver), Dane DeHaan (Amazing Spider-Man 2, Chronicle), and Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad, Paper Towns) join moderator Josh Horowitz (MTV) and special surprise panelists for the first public sneak peek at Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, coming to theaters from EuropaCorp in Summer 2017.

First Second Tenth Anniversary Celebration

Thursday July 21, 2016 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Room 4 First Second editorial director Mark Siegel celebrates the tenth anniversary of this award-winning, bestselling publisher in conversation with Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl), Eva Volin (Alameda Public Library), Karen Green (Columbia University), and Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Mysterious Galaxy). They'll explore the success and explosion of graphic novels in the past decade from the perspective of authors, librarians, academics, and retailers. Moderated by Graeme McMillan (Wired).

Room 6DEThe superstar bestselling writer and co-creator of Harley Quinn returns to San Diego for an all-access and in-depth discussion. From his early days on the Batman Animated TV show to heart-wrenching Dark Night: A True Batman Story to all things in between, be here for this exclusive panel that will give you insight to one of the genre's most influential people.

IDW and Hasbro: The Revolution is Now

Thursday July 21, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Room 9This fall, Transformers, G.I. JOE, ROM, Micronauts, and M.A.S.K. are drawn together and nothing at IDW will ever be the same! Take a stand with universe-builders Cullen Bunn, Christos Gage, Mairghread Scott, Brandon Easton, Chris Ryall, John Barber, Aubrey Sitterson, David Hedgecock, and Hasbro's Michael Kelly. Get a free Revolution preview comic, just for showing up!

Image Comics: Creating the Zeitgeist

Thursday July 21, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Room 23ABC Comics are more popular than ever, and it's all thanks to creators who are bringing their passions, interests, and original ideas to the medium. Chynna Clugston (Blue Monday), Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine), Marjorie Liu (Monstress), and a few more surprise guests are making comics cooler, story by story.

The 2000 AD Thrill-Power Hour

Thursday July 21, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Room 29ABThe galaxy's greatest comic celebrates its 2,000th issue and the impending 40th anniversary with a special panel. Superstar artists Jock and Lee Garbett, plus Judge Dredd writer Rob Williams, are on hand for an hour of 2000 AD announcements, chat, and laughs!

Warhammer 40,000 Panel

Thursday July 21, 2016 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Room 4This is the world-exclusive first look at Titan's much hyped new Warhammer 40,000 comic book series, based in the staggeringly popular dark science fiction universe from Games Workshop. Join Warhammer 40,000 writer George Mann (Dark Souls, Doctor Who), and editor Andrew James for a jam-packed panel spotlighting the hotly anticipated comic launch in October. Be the first to see exclusive art by Tazio Bettin and Enrica Angiolini from the comic and upcoming plans for the series. Each attendee will receive an exclusive gift!

Dreamworks' Voltron: Legendary Defender

Thursday July 21, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Room 7ABForm Voltron! Executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery, and head writer Tim Hendrick dive deep into the epic first season of the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Voltron: Legendary Defender. They'll come ready to answer all your burning questions with an extended fan Q&A and even offer a sneak peek of what's next for the Paladins of Voltron. All panel attendees will receive an exclusive limited-edition Voltron lithograph.

NBC's The Good Place: World Premiere Screening and Q&A with Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, Michael Schur and Drew Goddard

Thursday July 21, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego BayfrontFrom executive producer Michael Schur and director Drew Goddard comes a smart, unique new comedy that follows Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), an ordinary woman who, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife where she comes to realize that she hasn't been a very good person. With the help of her wise newfound afterlife mentor (Ted Danson) she's determined to shed her old way of living and discover the awesome (or at least the pretty good) person within.

We Need Diverse Comics

Thursday July 21, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Room 9Authors Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina), Ben Hatke (Mighty Jack), Nilah Magruder (M.F.K.), Raina Telgemeier (Ghosts), and Ron Wimberly (Prince of Cats) discuss the current state of diversity in the comics industry, what's changed over the past decade, and what changes still need to happen. Moderated by Petra Mayer (NPR).

DC Rebirth: Young Gotham/ Young Metropolis

Thursday July 21, 2016 3:15pm - 4:15pm

Room 6DEYouth is served well as DC Comics' brightest heroes are the focus on this panel. Join the talented DC Rebirth creators of Batgirl (Rafael Albuquerque and Hope Larson), Batman Beyond (Bernard Chang and Dan Jurgens), Supergirl (Steve Orlando), Super-Sons (Jorge Jimenez), and Teen Titans (Jonboy Meyers) as a new generation of DC Comics heroes step into the spotlight.

Room 5ABOne of the biggest questions coming out of the 8-month gap between Secret Wars and All-New All-Different Marvel has been, "What the heck happened between the X-Men and the Inhumans?" Join this panel for an exclusive look at new series Death of X, plus the latest on all X-Men and Inhumans titles with editor-in-chief Axel Alonso and Marvel talent scout Rickey Purdin, as well as James Asmus (All-New Inhumans) and Cullen Bunn (Uncanny X-Men).

Spotlight on Jason Aaron

Thursday July 21, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Room 25ABCComic-Con special guest and Eisner Award-nominated comics writer Jason Aaron (Star Wars, the Mighty Thor, Southern Bastards, Scalped) sits down for an open, unfiltered discussion of his work, the craft of writing and pretty much anything else you feel like asking about.

VIZ MediavThursday July 21, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Room 7ABCome party with VIZ Media! And by party, we mean sit in a chair and listen to thrilling tales of upcoming releases and other Earth-shattering announcements from North America's largest distributor of manga and anime! VIZ Media has brought you thousands of your favorite titles, including huge hits like Naruto, Death Note, Sailor Moon, Ranma 1â„2, Tokyo Ghoul, One-Punch Man and more! Warning: panel may include trivia, prizes, yelling, and probably some clapping.

Room 6DEThe Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead franchise, Outcast), longtime artist of The Walking Dead Charlie Adlard, and Skybound Entertainment editorial director Sean Mackiewicz discuss all thingsThe Walking Dead and what's to come for the comics series as it approaches its 160th issue. This panel will be moderated by Jason Mantzoukas (The League, Brooklyn Nine-Nine).

The Zone Show: Underground 3-D Comics

Thursday July 21, 2016 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Room 26ABThe late Ray Zone was known as the "King of 3-D Comic Books," creating 3-D conversions for over 300 comics, including many underground books that he published under his banner "The 3-D Zone," featuring such artists as Robt. Williams, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, and Basil Wolverton. Zone also hosted a Los Angeles cable-access TV show in the early 1980s where he interviewed many of his artist collaborators. Eric Kurland (CEO of 3-D Space) and Lawrence Kaufman (chairman of the National Stereoscopic Association) will be joined by several of Ray Zone's friends and colleagues to take a look a look at his 3-D underground work, including video interviews from The Zone Show, not seen in over 30 years and only recently discovered and digitized.

Vertigo

Thursday July 21, 2016 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Room 8 Find out where some of your favorite titles are heading, and be the first to hear about the new series on deck for the fall from comics' most innovative imprint.

Room 9Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Captain America has been wielding his shield, donning red, white, and blue, and fighting the good fight for 75 years. From Captain America Comics #1 to Captain America: Civil War, Steve Rogers has had a pretty decent 75 years, to say the least. Come celebrate "Cap" with Jim Simon (Son of Joe Simon) and Allen Bellman (artist, Captain America) all while being interviewed and questioned by former Kirby assistant, moderator Mark Evanier (author, Kirby: King of Comics).

Comic Book Women: Working with Licensed vs. Creator Owned Characters

Thursday July 21, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Room 5ABWhat's the difference between creating original characters and playing in someone else's sandbox? Find out from these comic book pros who have worked both sides of the trenches: Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, X-Files), Sarah Gaydos (Star Trek, Batman Li'l Gotham), Mariah McCourt (True Blood, Angel), Barbara Randall Kesel (Hellboy, Sundown Crossroads), Sarah Kuhn (Barbie, Fresh Romance), Kel MacDonald (Misfits of Avalon, Buffy), and Ari Woods (Rick & Morty). Expect an hour of war stories and frank advice for new and established comics creators. Moderated by Casey Gilley (Comic Book Resources, Goners).

DC Master Class: Art History

Thursday July 21, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Room 30CDEClass is in session as some of the greatest artists in the industry take this panel to school with an in-depth look at their creative process! DC Entertainment is proud to spotlight these talented individuals for this exclusive, all-access look at what it's like drawing for DC Comics and Vertigo!

Dynamite Entertainment: The Art of the Deal

Thursday July 21, 2016 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Room 8In 2004, Dynamite Entertainment exploded into the world of licensed comics with the release of fan-favorite Army of Darkness. Since that time, the little publisher that could has grown into the leading publisher that does. The company has become the industry leader in books based on film, television, video games, and more, with such diverse world-renowned brands as Atari, James Bond, Grumpy Cat, Bob's Burgers and so many more! Dynamite CEO/publisher Nick Barrucci, senior editor Joseph Rybandt, and surprise guests reveal the shape of comics to come!

Sausage Party Filmmaker Conversation

Thursday July 21, 2016 5:45pm - 6:30pm

Horton Grand TheatreSeth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have been the masterminds behind some of the world's most outrageous, inventive, and hilarious comedies, and now they are going into the world of animation for Sony Pictures and Annapurna Pictures' Sausage Party: the world's first R-rated CG animated comedy. The film is about a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery story. Not only will you hear all about it as Seth and Evan lead a conversation, you can see the movie for yourself. Following the conversation, stay for the pre-party and screening at Horton Plaza.

Marvel's Luke Cage

Thursday July 21, 2016 5:45pm - 6:45pm

Ballroom 20The cast of the upcoming Netflix original series Marvel's Luke Cage make their first-ever appearance, answering questions and giving fans a look at exclusive footage from the highly anticipated series, ahead of its September 30 global debut on Netflix. Moderated by Jeph Loeb (executive producer and Marvel's Head of Television).

Mad About MAD

Thursday July 21, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Room 5ABMAD, the country's #1-selling humor magazine (in a field of 1), is dumber than ever! MAD magazine editor John Ficarra and art director Sam Viviano present a ridiculous peek at what's happening at the magazine and an epically moronic Q&A that's bound to be, well, MAD! (Prizes will be awarded for most moronic questions!)

USA Network's Mr. Robot: Panel Discussion with the Cast

Thursday July 21, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Room 6BCFHello, friend. USA's Golden Globe Award-winning series, Mr. Robot, is making its Comic-Con debut. Go behind the scenes with stars Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Portia Doubleday, Carly Chaikin and season 2 newcomer Grace Gummer as they discuss the series' exciting second season. Mr. Robot follows Elliot, a cyber-security engineer who becomes involved in the underground hacker group fsociety, after being recruited by their mysterious leader. Season 2 explores the consequences of fsociety's 5/9 hack on multi-national company Evil Corp. as well as the illusion of control.

Heavy Metal: This Panel Goes to 11

Thursday July 21, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Room 7ABA year ago, the nearly 40-years-running leading publisher of science fiction and fantasy made news around the convention with the announcement that Grant Morrison would be stepping in as the magazine's editor-in-chief. Now, following Morrison's debut issue, which is being called a "renaissance," Heavy Metal co-CEO Jeff Krelitz, 20-year publisher Kevin Eastman, and the man himself will blow minds yet again with exclusive announcements, surprise guests, and more!

Black Mask Comics: Debuting Tomorrow's Legends

Thursday July 21, 2016 8:30pm - 9:30pm

Room 8Fresh off a dazzling 2015 with breakout books Space Riders, We Can Never Go Home, and Young Terrorists, Black Mask has made a name for itself as the hottest launchpad to debut new talent and as the home for some of the coolest, most provocative comics around. Black Mask co-founder Matt Pizzolo (Young Terrorists, Godkiller) and creators Magdalene Visaggio (Kim & Kim), Matthew Rosenberg (We Can Never Go Home, 4 Kids Walk into a Bank), Tyler Boss (4 Kids Walk into a Bank), Vita Ayala (upcoming Our Work Fills the Pews), Katy Rex (Jade Street Protection Services), and other panelists present a wide-ranging discussion of how new creators and new ideas are changing comics and how you can be a part of it.